George Stephen Sr., the late founder of Weber Grills, will be inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame on October 5 at the World Series of Barbecue Championship event. Jim Stephen, his son and current chairman of Weber, will be on hand to accept the award on behalf of the family.

Each year, three individuals are awarded the prestigious honor and are recognized by the Barbecue Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to the barbecue community and demonstration of achievement in barbecue excellence in one of three categories: Pitmaster, Business/Industry, and Celebrity/Humanitarian.

Stephen Sr. began selling his invention as "George's Barbecue Kettle," and by the late 1950s, he bought out the Weber Brothers Metal Works company and became the sole owner, dedicating all of his professional time to manufacturing and selling the Weber kettle. Soon thereafter, Stephen changed the company name to Weber-Stephen Products Co. Stephen passed away in 1993.

"My father knew that one of the best ways to bring families together was through a shared meal enjoyed in the great outdoors," said Jim Stephen, chairman, Weber-Stephen Products. "My mom Marge and the entire Stephen family are so proud of what my father accomplished, and we are thrilled that he is being inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame. His vision and dogged determination literally changed the landscape of outdoor entertaining, and Weber will continue to honor his legacy by developing and producing the best grills and accessories available for years to come."